Uranium mining at Temple Mountain began in the late 1800s. A great deal of testing and experimenting with the "wonder" element was going on, and the market was good. All early accounts say the ore they mined was sent to France for Madame Curie's...

Early mining for uranium and vanadium was done with pick axe and shovel. Miners are seen taking a break from their work as a photographer from the United States Geological Survey took their photograph on the east side of the San Rafael Swell.